An anonymous source on X (formerly Twitter) has revealed potential reasons behind the cancellation of Yuri on Ice: Ice Adolescence.
However, it is important to note that this information has not been officially confirmed. In April 2024, MAPPA, the studio behind the series, announced the cancellation on its official account, leading to speculation about the reasons for the decision.
According to the anonymous source, creative differences among the writers contributed to the cancellation. The film was intended to bridge the first and second seasons of Yuri on Ice, a plan that had been in place since MAPPA announced the project in 2017. The source claims that distribution concerns, particularly regarding the film’s portrayal of same-sex relationships, played a significant role in the decision.
Yuri on Ice has been praised for its depiction of the same-sex relationship between main characters Yuri Katsuki and Victor Nikiforov.
However, the source noted that countries like Russia and China, which have restrictions on LGBTQ content, posed challenges for licensing the film. The initial script was reportedly rejected due to these distribution concerns.
Despite winning multiple awards, Yuri on Ice faced criticism for not addressing issues such as homophobia and contemporary societal challenges. Critics pointed out that the series did not depict these realities, and some viewers found the censorship of a kiss scene between the main characters ambiguous.
While MAPPA has successfully produced LGBTQ-themed stories like Banana Fish, questions remain about the cancellation of Yuri on Ice:
Ice Adolescence. The studio’s official statement provided little insight into the reasons for the film’s cancellation. The anonymous source also mentioned that the popularity of other shows, such as Attack on Titan and Jujutsu Kaisen, overshadowed Yuri on Ice.
Yuri on Ice premiered in 2016, directed by Sayo Yamamoto with original scripts by Mitsuro Kubo. The series follows a Japanese figure skater who falls in love with his coach, Victor Nikiforov, who is also his figure skating partner. The show gained immense popularity, with some skaters even performing to its music during the 2018 Winter Olympics.
As fans continue to seek clarity on the cancellation, the future of Yuri on Ice remains uncertain. The studio has yet to provide further updates, leaving many hopeful for a revival of the beloved series in some form.
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